He was a director at the football club for more than a decade after becoming part of a consortium who saved the Boro when it hit a cash crisis in the early 90s.

Mr Chislet, of Rugby Road, Brandon, Coventry, also spent nearly 30 years as a director at Godiva Walker, a Coventry-based business which supplies the catering trade.

His friends and and colleagues today paid tribute to a man it had been a privilege to know.

Brendan Dodd, aged 60, a former Boro director, said: "It was sad but we were very privileged to know Gordon. He was probably one of the most genuine people you could know at Nuneaton Borough."

David Lee, aged 68, a current Boro director, said: "Gordon was very close to all the managers ever since he was first involved with the club. He just loved his football.

"The place will not be the same without him."

Boro chairman Roger Stamford, who worked for 28 years alongside Mr Chislet as a company director for Godiva Walker, said: "Gordon was somebody who always spoke his mind and was very committed to what he did. He will be sadly missed."